GREEDY Midland binmen today sparked fury with the news that they had rejected a massive #900 bonus for working over Christmas.

Refuse collectors in Sandwell had been offered the premium for working on December 26, 27 and January 2, all Bank Holidays, but were said to be arguing for #1,300 before agreeing to empty bins on those days.

The #900 bonus would come on top of the #27,000-a-year basic that Sandwell bin lorry drivers earn, and the #22,000 earned by binmen on the rounds.

The rejection comes despite the bonus being the best on offer across the whole of the Midlands.

People on the streets said they could not believe that the refuse collectors were holding out for more money.

Pensioner Margaret Furness, aged 81, from Handsworth, said "the world has gone mad".

She said: "These binmen want their heads looking at in my opinion. Here I am struggling on less than #100 a week pension and you have binmen being offered #900 for three days' work.

"I think it's disgusting. You'd think they would be jumping for joy with that sort of offer but it appears they want even more. It's hard to believe."

Former Sandwell College caretaker Gordon Talbot, aged 74, said #900 for three days work was an "exceptionally good" offer.

Mr Talbot said: "Turning down #900 is disgusting and the binmen are being very greedy.

"They should be thankful they have a good, well-paid job with these sort of bonuses on offer as well."

West Bromwich shopper Avtar Singh, aged 51, agreed: "Most people would be very happy with a #900 bonus."

Robert Beckett, aged 52, of West Bromwich, said: "The binmen are being offered very good money. It's not the nicest job but most people would be more than happy with #900 as a bonus."